Biblical Fiction #3: Retelling a Love Story

Image courtesyfrancinerivers.com

Hosea is one of the Old Testament prophets who lived in the 8th century BC. He did the unthinkable (to salt-of-the-earth types): He married a prostitute named Gomer.

Now, you can imagine how this story shapes up. It is a prime candidate for retelling in fictional form, and author Francine Rivers delivers it up to us in Redeeming Love. Set during the California Gold Rush, I was at first skeptical whether this book could weave the biblical story in a thoughtful way. And so I say, thank you, Shawnee Baldwin, Archdiocesan Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, for giving me this book to read.

Courtesy of Cody Miller at www.codyfmiller.com.

Because--boy was I wrong! This book is entertaining but also inspiring. Redeeming Love imaginatively digs into the tragic childhood of Angel (the Gomer character) and her wounded psyche. Michael Hosea (obviously, the Hosea character) is a homesteader who listens deeply to God's voice and is surprised and very reluctant when God draws him to take Angel in marriage. Let the games begin! (And of course, "the odds" are in God's favor, which means everybody wins in the end.)

This book allows the reader to enter into the biblical characters in a believable (but fictional, not  way. Angel becomes a real 19th century woman who struggles with her self-worth; Michael is a stubborn, Christian man who gradually falls in love with his wife.
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This is a fun summer read, perfect for the beach or, dare I say, a Dude Ranch? Headed for Wyoming? Take Redeeming Love along, and don't forget to read the biblical Book of Hosea, while you're at it!

Image courtesy of http://www.slideshare.net/chronicwriter